‘Scary’ stunts are putting lives at risk
Reports rise of moped riders causing havoc
MOPED riders driving dangerously in Ruislip and Eastcote have led to serious complaints from residents who have raised their fears with a crime awareness group.
One person has reported a group of youngsters on mopeds swerving in and around of a fire truck while on an emergency call.
The Facebook Crime Awareness Group for the Ruislip and Eastcote area now has more than 8,000 members and one of the most common issues reported are bike riders weaving across the road and doing wheelies.
Sightings of dangerous moped riding have sparked fears that someone might be seriously injured.
The reported incident in Uxbridge Road involving the fire truck came from a firefighter who said the youngsters weaved in and out of the road around the truck and pulled stunts.
A different report posted on Sunday October 3 described a moped rider doing a wheelie with cars behind him in Whitby Road, while another member of the public said they had their wing mirror clipped after swerving in a similar incident.
An account was reported on Saturday October 29 of two people with their faces covered riding motorbikes through Bessingby Park at “high speed”.
The incident was described as a “scary experience”, and members of the public were said to have had to move out of the way as the riders sped by.
These are just a few examples of many reports surfacing in the group, and some are suggesting an increased police presence is needed on the streets to tackle the problem.
Chief Inspector Rob Bryan with the Metropolitan Police said thefts of mopeds and motorbikes have increased across London and Hillingdon, as well as the illegal use of them.
He added: “A Londonwide operation is in place to tackle this offending called Operation Venice.
“Locally we have seen good results already.
“In Ruislip, local officers recently undertook a number of raids on addresses where we suspected stolen bikes were being stored.
“Recently a moped rider was arrested and found in possession of drugs and a knife.
“This is a targeted operation and those suspected of criminal activity will be caught.”
Ch Ins Bryan said anyone who sees a moped or motorbike being ridden dangerously should call police immediately, and anyone with information about stolen bikes should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
If you have seen or been involved in an incident with dangerous moped riding contact getwestlondon via a l e x a n d e r. b a l l i n g e r @ trinitymirror.com . RISE IN MOPED CRIME: